Estate Administration in Holyoke, Massachusetts

"Estate administration" refers to the procedure which must be followed when the estate of a person who has recently died is being distributed, either according to his or her wishes as laid out in a will, or the laws regulating the distribution of the assets of a person who dies without a will.

If the decedent wrote a will before his or her death in Holyoke, Massachusetts, the process will be carried out according to the directives included in the will, assuming they are legitimate and enforceable.

Frequently, the will appoints an executor whose job it is to oversee the administration of the will.

The executor usually has at least some work cut out for them. This apparently raises the issue of compensation. The easiest way to guarantee that the executor does his or her job is simply to appoint the person who has the most to gain from the will. That way, they cannot inherit until the process is finalized.

What if The Will Does Not Name an Executor?

If a Holyoke, Massachusetts will does not assign anyone to serve as executor, or there is no will, the court has to choose someone to fill that role.

Typically, the person chosen to be executor is the one who would benefit most under the will, or under Massachusetts's intestacy laws. "Intestacy" refers to a situation in which a person dies without a will, or "dies intestate." Every state has laws to address this situation, and there isn't a lot of variation from state to state. Typically, the decedent's property will go to his or her closest relative, and if absolutely no living relatives can be found, it will go to the state.

If the will doesn't name a person who is to serve as executor, or the individual named is no longer alive or cannot be found, anyone with a direct interest in the will can apply to the Holyoke, Massachusetts court to be the executor.

Once an executor is assigned (whether by being named in the will, or on the application of another person), they "step into the shoes" of the estate, and are expected to safeguard its interests to the fullest extent possible. They further are obligated to accurately inventory the estate's debts and assets, as well as notify possible beneficiaries.

Can a Holyoke, Massachusetts Estate Administration Attorney Help?

Some people are surprised when they find out they've been named the executor of a relative's estate. The responsibilities can seem daunting, but with the help of a reliable Holyoke, Massachusetts attorney, the process almost always goes pretty smoothly.

Life in Holyoke

Holyoke is named for Elizur Holyoke who, in 1660, explored the area that is today incorporated into Hampden County. Holyoke is a Massachusetts city in close proximity to Springfield and has classically been a haven for Irish immigrants. Holyoke hosts the United States largest Saint Partick's Day Parade which annually attracts nearly 500,000 visitors each year. Holyoke has recently seen a vast influx of Puerto Rican and Latino immigrants yielding an annual Puerto Rican Day Parade on the third week of July. The parade is complete with food, music, and more. It's organized as part of the Annual Hispanic Family Festival which is put on by La Familia Hispana Incorporated. The festival and parade have drastically increased in popularity over time and attract Latinos from across the northeast. Holyoke is called home by a number of lawyers as well. Holyoke lawyers are familiar with local Hampden County courts and advise on a variety of cases.

Holyoke maintains a number of year-round attractions as well. Some of the attractions include the Holyoke Cana System, Mount Tom, shopping at Holyoke Mall, trails like Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, a collegiate baseball team, and most notably the Dinosaur Footprints Reservation where visitors can see perfectly preserved footprints from prehistoric dinosaurs along the Connecticut River.

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CLIENT REVIEWS

Brad M.

Sussex, NJ

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Rating
(10 users)

Overall

Responded in a timely manner

Answered questions clearly

Understood needs

Gave complete and clear information

Knowledgeable in legal area

Good value for money

Would hire again

100%

Would recommend to friend

100%

by Daniel G. , 08/29/2014

by Brian C. , 07/13/2014

Brad has helped me through four post-divorce motions over the last couple of years. He was a pleasure to work with and his staff is top notch. He treated me with respect and showed a personal interest in my needs and my case. Responses to my questions were always met with speedy and helpful responses. He did everything possible to get positive results and an outcome that was fair. Although the court can be unpredictable in their rulings, I feel I had positive outcomes in all of my motions thanks to Brad. I would recommend Brad for anyone going through divorce or post-divorce issues.

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Mr. M. Knows his stuff and make sure you understand the pros and cons of the decision you make

by Mary Katherine F. , 02/19/2011

good

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This has been the best experience I have ever have. I would recommend Brad M. to anyone that would need an experienced wonderful caring attorney for family law.

by Gregory V. , 07/11/2014

by Sheeba S. , 12/25/2009

In the middle of all my turmoil i'm grateful the for the sensible guidance given to me by Brad M. M..He is an excellent listener, who calmly gave suggestions to my confused situation.I would surely reccomend him to anybody,especially to those who are sceptical of lawyers.He was more interested in finding a solution to my problem than asking for a fee.He is THE BEST. sheba, NJ

by Lisa Marie J. , 07/31/2009

Brad is very patient and knowledgeable. I felt he was genuinely pursuing and protecting my best interests.

CLIENT REVIEWS

David L.

Ashland, OH

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Rating
(5 users)

Overall

Responded in a timely manner

Answered questions clearly

Understood needs

Gave complete and clear information

Knowledgeable in legal area

Good value for money

Would hire again

100%

Would recommend to friend

100%

by Julie W. , 11/07/2015

David L. helped with our will and estate planning. He did a great job. Everything was done on time and went according to plan.

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David was always frank and helpful. He was up front about costs and the prospects about the outcome. He worked hard to control the costs in my case while providing first class service that included some evening and weekend communication. He helped me understand the law as it related to my case and managed all of the dealings with the courts and the clerks.

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I am already recommending David L. to my family members and friends. He provided my wife and I with all that we hoped for in successfully planning our estate documents.